U.S. patent application number 11/962073 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-04 for notification device and method for programming a notification device.
Invention is credited to Roland Polonio, Hans-Joachim Sailer.
Application Number | 20080212416 11/962073 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39431624 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080212416 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Polonio; Roland ; et
al. |
September 4, 2008 |
NOTIFICATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROGRAMMING A NOTIFICATION
DEVICE
Abstract
A notification device with a time signal receiver is provided
that has a receiver for receiving an electromagnetic time signal
and processor for processing the time signal and is assigned a
signal output device to generate a warning signal, and to a method
for programming a notification device comprising a time signal
receiver. In the notification device the time signal receiver
and/or the signal output device can be set up to generate a warning
signal when there is at least one piece of additional information
transmitted with the time signal.
Inventors: |
Polonio; Roland;
(Neckarsulm, DE) ; Sailer; Hans-Joachim;
(Heilbronn, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Muncy, Geissler, Olds & Lowe, PLLC
P.O. BOX 1364
FAIRFAX
VA
22038-1364
US
|
Family ID: |
39431624 |
Appl. No.: |
11/962073 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60876527 |
Dec 22, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
368/244 ;
368/10 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G08B 17/10 20130101;
G04G 13/02 20130101; G04R 20/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
368/244 ;
368/10 |
International
Class: |
G04G 13/02 20060101
G04G013/02; G04B 47/00 20060101 G04B047/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 20, 2006 |
DE |
DE 102006060927 |
Claims
1. A notification device comprising: a time signal receiver that
comprises: a receiver for receiving an electromagnetic time signal;
and a processor for processing the time signal, a signal output
device assigned to the time signal receiver for generating a
warning signal, wherein the time signal receiver and/or the signal
output device is/are set up to generate a warning signal when there
is at least one piece of additional information transmitted with a
time signal.
2. The notification device according to claim 1, wherein at least
one selection criterion provided for blocking or releasing control
of the signal output device is stored in the time signal receiver
and/or in the signal output device.
3. The notification device according to claim 1, wherein the
receiver and/or processor are assigned a memory that is configured
for temporary storage of the selection criterion.
4. The notification device according to claim 3, wherein the
receiver and/or processor are set up to derive programming
instructions, in particular an encoded selection criterion, from
the time signal and/or from a wirelessly transmitted programming
signal and to store the programming instructions in the memory.
5. The notification device according to claim 1, wherein the time
signal receiver has a frequency switch that supplies at least two
different clock frequencies for the time signal receiver.
6. The notification device according to claim 1, further comprising
a controller, which is configured to output a programming control
signal supplied by the receiver and/or by the processor and/or by
the memory.
7. A household appliance with at least one functional unit for
providing a useful function, the household appliance having a
notification device that comprises: a time signal receiver that
comprises: a receiver for receiving an electromagnetic time signal;
and a processor for processing the time signal, a signal output
device assigned to the time signal receiver for generating a
warning signal, wherein the time signal receiver and/or the signal
output device is/are set up to generate a warning signal when there
is at least one piece of additional information transmitted with a
time signal.
8. A method for programming a notification device, the method
comprising: providing at least one programming instruction to a
time signal receiver in the notification device via a programming
device; decoding the programming instruction by a receiver and/or
by a processor of the notification device; and storing the
programming instruction, which is designated for execution in the
receiver and/or in the processor, in a memory of the notification
device.
9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the programming
instructions are transmitted wirelessly by the programming device
to the notification device, particularly to the time signal
receiver.
10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the programming
instructions are supplied at a data rate that is selected higher
than the data rate of a time signal, wherein the time signal
receiver is supplied with a programming clock frequency, which is
adjusted to the data rate and is selected higher than an internal
operating clock frequency of the time signal receiver.
11. The method according to claim 8, wherein during and/or after
the programming process, a programming control signal is output by
the time signal receiver to the programming device.
12. The household appliance according to claim 12, wherein the
household appliance is a smoke alarm.
Description
[0001] This nonprovisional application claims priority to German
Patent Application No. DE 102006060927, which was filed in Germany
on Dec. 20, 2006, and to U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/876,527, which was filed on Dec. 22, 2006, and which are both
herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a notification device with
a time signal receiver, which has receiving means for receiving an
electromagnetic time signal, and processing means for processing
the time signal and is assigned a signal output device to generate
a warning signal, and to a method for programming a notification
device, comprising a time signal receiver.
[0004] 2. Description of the Background Art
[0005] A notification device can be made as an alarm clock with a
radio-controlled clockwork, with a time display and the generation
of an optical or audible alarm signal depending on a time signal
received and processed by the time signal receiver.
[0006] The provision of precise time information is of basic
importance for many applications in daily life. In various
countries such as the USA, Japan, Russia, Germany, etc., precise
time signals, which can be received by suitable receivers (time
signal receivers), are provided by the appropriate national
organizations. The time signals can be used for further processing,
i.e., for the extraction of precise time information in
appropriately equipped end devices, particularly in
radio-controlled clocks or time-based measuring devices.
[0007] Radio waves, particularly in the long-wave frequency range
from about 30 kHz to about 300 kHz, are a suitable medium for
transmitting time signals. In the case of long-wave signals,
particularly by amplitude modulation, encoded time signals have a
very broad transmission range; they penetrate into buildings and
can still be received with very small ferrite antennas. Obstacles
such as trees and buildings cause high signal attenuation in the
case of high-frequency satellite signals, but such obstacles have
only a slight impact on the reception of long-wave signals.
[0008] The time signal is provided by a time signal transmitter,
which transmits a signal sequence according to a predefined
protocol. The national time signal transmitters differ both in the
selected transmission frequency and in the configuration of the
protocol. An example of a time signal transmitter is the long-wave
transmitter DCF77 managed by the Physikalisch Technische
Bundesanstalt (PTB) [Federal Physical and Technical Institute],
which is controlled by several atomic clocks and transmits a time
signal with a power of 50 KW at the frequency of 77.5 kHz during
continuous operation. A more detailed description of the protocol
for the time signal transmitted by the DCF77 station can be derived
from the description provided hereinafter of FIGS. 1 and 2.
Examples of other time signal transmitters are WWVB (USA), MSF
(Great Britain), JJY (Japan), and BPC (China), which transmit time
information on a long-wave frequency within the range between 40
and 160 KHz by means of amplitude-modulated signals.
[0009] In general, to transmit time information, a time signal is
transmitted within a time frame which is precisely 1 minute long.
This time frame contains values for the minute, hour, calendar day,
day of the week, month, year, etc., in the form of BCD codes
(binary coded decimal codes), which are transmitted with a pulse
duration modulation at 1 Hz per bit. In this case, either the
rising or falling edge of the first pulse of a time frame is
synchronized precisely with 0 seconds. A typical radio-controlled
clock is made so that the setting of time occurs by receiving of
the time information of one or a plurality of time frames from the
point in time onward at which the zero second signal was first
received.
[0010] FIG. 1 shows the coding scheme, designated by the reference
character A, of the coded time information according to the
protocol of time signal transmitter DCF77. The coding scheme in the
present case incudes 59 bits, each 1 bit corresponding to a second
of the time frame. Over the course of a minute, a so-called time
signal telegram, containing information on the time and date in
binary coded form, can be transmitted therewith. The first 15 bits
B contain a general coding, for example, operating information, and
are not used at present. The next 5 bits C contain general
information. The letter R designates the antenna bit, and A1
designates an announcement bit for the transition from Central
European Time (MEZ) to Central European Summer Time (MESZ) and back
again. Z1 and Z2 designate time zone bits. A2 designates an
announcement bit for a switching second and S designates a start
bit for the encoded time information. Starting with bit 21 and up
to bit 59, the time and data information are transmitted with a BCD
code, whereby the data apply respectively to the next minute. The
bits in area D contain information on the minute, in area E
information on the hour, in area F information on the calendar day,
in area G information on the day of the week, in area H information
on the month, and in area I information on the calendar year. This
information is provided in a bit-by-bit fashion in an encoded form.
So-called test bits P1, P2, P3 are provided respectively at the
ends of areas D, E, and I. The sixtieth bit is vacant and serves to
indicate the start of the next frame. M designates the minute mark
and thus the start of the time signal.
[0011] The structure and bit allocation of the coding scheme, shown
in FIG. 1, for transmitting time signals are generally known and
described, for example, in an article by Peter Hetzel, "Time
Information and Normal Frequency," Telekom Praxis, Vol. 1,
1993.
[0012] The time signal information is transmitted amplitude
modulated with the aid of individual second markers. The modulation
comprises a reduction X1, X2 or increase in the carrier signal X at
the beginning of each second, whereby at the beginning of each
second--with the exception of the fifty-ninth second of each
minute--in the case of a time signal transmitted by the DCF77
transmitter, the carrier amplitude is reduced for 0.1 seconds X1 or
for 0.2 seconds X2 to about 25% of the amplitude. These reductions
of different duration each define a second marker or databit. This
different duration of the second markers is used for the binary
coding of the clock time and date, whereby second markers X1 with a
duration of 0.1 seconds correspond to the binary "0" and those X2
with a duration of 0.2 seconds to the binary "1." The absence of
the sixtieth second marker announces the next minute marker. An
evaluation of the time information sent by the time signal
transmitter may then be performed in combination with the
respective second. Using an example, FIG. 2 shows a section of this
type of amplitude-modulated time signal, in which the encoding
occurs by a reduction of the HF signal with a different pulse
length.
[0013] Conventional time signal receivers, as they are described,
for example, in the German Patent DE 35 16 810 C2, receive the
amplitude-modulated time signal emitted by the time signal
transmitter and output it again demodulated as variably long
pulses. This occurs in real time; i.e., a variably long pulse is
generated per second at the output corresponding to the idealized
time signal according to FIG. 2. In this case, the time information
is thereby available encoded by the variably long pulses of the
carrier. These pulses of different length are supplied by the time
signal receiver to a microcontroller connected downstream. The
microcontroller evaluates these pulses and determines whether
corresponding to the length of this pulse a bit value of "1" or "0"
is assigned to the specific pulse. This occurs by determining first
the second beginning of a particular time frame of the time signal.
If this second beginning is known, the bit value "1" or "0" can
then be determined each time from the determined duration of the
pulse. The microcontroller now takes up in sequence all 59 bits of
a minute and based on the bit encoding of a specific second pulse
determines which precise time and which precise date are
present.
[0014] Precise time information can be provided thereby with the
aid of this type of time signal receiver in the notification
device. Moreover, a time-dependent provision of a signal, for
example, an audible or optical signal, can be realized in
conjunction with the signal output device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a notification device and a method for programming a
notification device, which enable an expansion of a range of
functions of a prior-art notification device.
[0016] According to a first aspect of the invention, a time signal
receiver and/or a signal output device is/are set up to generate a
warning signal when there is at least one piece of additional
information transmitted with the time signal. In other words, a
warning signal, particularly specifically pronounced with respect
to its frequency and/or modulation, of the signal output device is
output when there is additional information in the time signal.
[0017] This type of additional information concerns one or more
bits, which are not provided according to the coding of the time
signal for transmission of time information. In the case of a time
signal according to the protocol of time signal transmitter DCF77,
bits 1 to 15 can be used to transmit this type of additional
information, because these bits are not needed for transmitting the
time information. If there are a larger number of free bits in the
time signal, the warning notification to be transmitted can be
encoded, so that a multidigit code can be transmitted in the time
signal according to a predefinable protocol, stored in the time
signal receiver. In the case of other time signals, which have only
one free bit or only a few free bits, it can be provided that the
time signal receiver, upon arrival of the additional information
encoded in the bit or in the few bits, is switched to an internally
stored warning notification protocol for decoding other
information, no longer transmitted in the time signal protocol.
[0018] The warning signal can be defined, for example, as a
disaster warning signal, which is transmitted via the time signal
transmitter in the case of a general threat to the population. The
warning signal is output by the appropriately equipped notification
devices in particular with a predefinable tone frequency, tone
sequence, and/or a predefinable rhythm in order to encode different
warnings.
[0019] An embodiment of the invention provides that at least one
selection criterion, provided for blocking or releasing control of
the signal output device, is stored in the time signal receiver
and/or in the signal output device. The selection criterion can be
one or more parameters, which define the predefinable target groups
for the warning signals. For example, a selection criterion can be
directed to a federal state or to a geographic or administrative
region such as a county. The achieved result here can be that
additional information contained in the time signal optionally
leads to the actuation of the warning signal only regionally or
locally, whereas in other regions notification devices with a
different coding of the selection criterion emit no warning signal
despite the additional information contained in the time signal,
because this is blocked by the selection criterion. The selection
criterion can be stored either fixedly in the layout of the time
signal receiver or the signal output device; setting via an
external coding such as a plug (jumper) which can be plugged in
variably on a strip or an arrangement of several switches (DIP
switches) is also possible.
[0020] Another embodiment of the invention provides that the
receiving means and/or processing means are assigned memory means,
configured for temporary storage of the selection criterion. The
memory means enable a flexible adjustment of the notification
device to a user. For example, a notification device produced as a
mass product can be programmed when purchased in the retail store
in such a way that it receives data stored in the memory means
about the future site of use, e.g., the user's home or workplace.
For example, the supplying of a zip code or other regional coding
in the memory means is conceivable to assure that a warning signal
is output by the notification device only when the region is
affected by a corresponding warning. As a supplement or
alternatively, an occupational or volunteer activity of the future
user, for example, as a physician or disaster response worker, can
also be stored in the memory means to enable the alerting of
certain occupational groups. A combination of selection criteria of
this type can also be stored in the memory means to achieve the
most accurate adaptation possible to a user profile.
[0021] Another embodiment of the invention provides that the
receiving means and/or processing means are set up to derive
programming instructions, in particular an encoded selection
criterion, from the time signal and/or from a wirelessly
transmitted programming signal and to store the programming
instructions in the memory means. In other words, a programmable
time signal receiver is proposed, which has receiving means for the
wireless receiving of an electromagnetic time signal and/or a
programming instruction and processing means for processing the
time signal and/or programming instructions, whereby the receiving
means and/or processing means are assigned memory means, configured
for temporary storage of programming instructions and for supplying
the instructions to the receiving means and/or to the processing
means, whereby the receiving means and/or processing means are set
up to derive programming instructions from the time signal and/or
from a programming signal and to store the programming instructions
in the memory means. The programming signal here is a programming
device signal encoded with a plurality of programming instructions
and based on a programming protocol different from the time signal
protocol.
[0022] It is provided in another embodiment of the invention that
the time signal receiver has frequency switching means, which are
formed to supply at least two different clock frequencies for the
time signal receiver. The frequency switching means enable
switching between the operating clock frequency and the programming
clock frequency depending on a programming signal supplied by the
programming device and therefore adjustment of the time signal
receiver to different data rates during the receiving of a time
signal or of programming instructions.
[0023] Another embodiment of the invention provides that at least
one internal clock generator is assigned at least two frequency
dividers, which are controllable by the frequency switching devices
and have different divider ratios. With the two frequency dividers,
optionally the lower operating clock frequency or the higher
programming clock frequency can be supplied to the time signal
receiver via control by means of the frequency divider control
device. The frequency switching device can be set up preferably in
such a way that it conducts the basic clock frequency generated by
the internal clock generator, depending on the presence or absence
of the programming signal, to one or the other of the at least two
frequency dividers. Both frequency dividers in turn are connected
to the receiving means and/or the processing means and/or the
memory means to supply the particular clock signal to these
devices. A combination of several internal clock generators is also
conceivable, whereby at least one of the internal clock generators
is assigned at least two frequency dividers, so that in all at
least three different clock frequencies can be provided.
[0024] Another embodiment of the invention provides that an
internal clock generator is assigned a frequency divider adjustable
by the frequency switching device variably to different divider
ratios. A variably adjustable frequency divider can be formed for
supplying a continuously tunable clock frequency or for supplying
different but fixedly predefined divider ratios and clock
frequencies linked therewith. Preferably, the frequency divider is
designed to realize a simple structure of the time signal receiver
to supply at least two different but fixedly predefined clock
frequencies.
[0025] Another embodiment of the invention provides that the
frequency switching device is set up for switching between an
external, wired or wirelessly coupled programming clock frequency
and an internal operating clock frequency supplied by the internal
clock generator. Coupling of an external programming clock
frequency into the time signal receiver is enabled thereby. The
frequency switching device is configured so that collision of the
externally wired or wirelessly coupled programming clock frequency
with the internal operating clock frequency is avoided.
[0026] Another embodiment of the invention provides that control
means are provided, which are configured to output a programming
control signal supplied by the receiving means and/or by the
processing means and/or by the memory means. The programmable time
signal receiver of the invention has receiving means for receiving
an electromagnetic time signal and a programming signal, as well as
processing means for processing the time signal and the programming
signal, whereby the receiving means and/or processing means are
assigned memory means, configured for temporary storage of
programming instructions and for supplying the programming
instructions to the receiving means and/or to the processing means.
In addition, control means are provided, which are configured to
supply a programming control signal supplied by the receiving means
and/or by the processing means and/or by the memory means. The
programming control signal is output to confirm a successful run of
a programming process and therewith enables a check whether the
programming instructions supplied by a programming device were
successfully decoded and optionally processed.
[0027] It is provided in an embodiment of the invention that the
control means are set up for wireless transmission of the
programming control signal, particularly at a frequency of the time
signal and/or the programming signal. Feedback from the time signal
receiver to the programming device can be realized as a result in a
simple manner without the need for electric or electromechanical
coupling between the time signal receiver and the programming
device. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is
provided that the programming control signal is transmitted to the
programming device at the frequency at which the time signal and/or
the programming signal is/are transmitted. This is an advantage
because the programming device is designed in any event for
processing signals with this (these) frequency (frequencies) and
thereby no additional devices are necessary for receiving the
programming control signal.
[0028] It is provided in another embodiment of the invention that
the control means are set up for wireless transmission of the
programming control signal by means of the receiving means,
particularly by means of an antenna device assigned to the
receiving means. An especially efficient feedback of a programming
control signal to the programming device can be brought about by
using the receiving means of the time signal receiver, which are
set up in any event for processing time signals and programming
signals. The receiving means are optimized in their design or their
layout to the frequency of the time signal and the programming
signal. Thus, for wireless output of the programming control signal
during use of the receiving means, only a minimum amount of power
is required, because good efficiency of programming control signal
transmission is assured by the optimization of the receiving means.
Because time signal receivers are often provided for operation with
batteries or similar power storage devices with a limited power
capacity, the programming control signal can be output with low
power consumption by using the receiving means.
[0029] Another embodiment of the invention provides that the
control means have switching means, which are configured to supply
the programming control signal to an antenna device depending on a
switching signal. A high-impedance switching signal, which is
supplied by processing means configured as a state machine,
particularly as a microcontroller, can be converted with the
switching means into a programming control signal transmitted by
the antenna device.
[0030] According to a second aspect of the invention, a household
appliance, particularly a smoke alarm, is provided which has at
least one functional unit for providing a useful function and an
additionally provided notification device. The household appliance
can be, for example, a smoke alarm, which is provided with a
functional unit formed as a smoke detector, or a washing machine,
coffee maker, a microwave oven, etc. Such household appliances,
typically permanently connected to the mains supply, such as, for
example, the washing machine or the microwave oven, are preferably
provided with an additional notification device and/or in any event
provided with a signal output device, as is the case, for example,
with smoke alarms. The time signal receiver in the notification
device can also be used to control a radio-controlled clock for the
corresponding household appliance, but this type of utilization is
not absolutely necessary.
[0031] According to another aspect of the invention, a method is
provided for programming a notification device with the following
steps: provision of at least one programming instruction to the
notification device, particularly to a time signal receiver in the
notification device, by means of a programming device; decoding of
the programming instruction by the receiving means and/or by the
processing means of the notification device; and storage of the
programming instruction, designated for execution in the receiving
means and/or in the processing means, in the memory means of the
notification device. Here, both wired and wireless transmission of
the programming instructions from the programming device to the
notification device can be provided.
[0032] Another embodiment of the invention provides that the
programming instructions are transmitted wirelessly by the
programming device to the notification device, particularly to the
time signal receiver. The method of the invention for wireless
programming of a time signal receiver comprises the following
steps: transmitting a programming instruction, which is encoded in
a data format adapted to a time signal receiver, by a transmitting
device; wireless receiving of the programming instruction by the
receiving means of a time signal receiver, which is set up to
receive a time signal according to a predefinable time signal
protocol; decoding of the programming instruction by the receiving
means and/or by the processing means of the time signal receiver;
and storage of the programming instruction, designated for
execution in the receiving means and/or in the processing means, in
a memory means of the time signal receiver. Simultaneous
programming of a plurality of time signal receivers is possible by
the method of the invention, because the programming instructions
are transmitted without mechanical contact between a programming
device and the time signal receiver. It is therefore possible to
realize programming of a time signal receiver also during mass
production, without an uneconomically large number of programming
devices being necessary for this. Moreover, contact areas for wired
coupling of the programming instructions can be eliminated, as a
result of which simplification of the time signal receiver can be
realized. It is possible in addition to program the time signal
receiver without direct mechanical access also after integration
into a more complex unit, for example, into a measuring device or
into a household appliance.
[0033] An updating of programming instructions at a later time
after completion of the time signal receiver is also conceivable.
It is critical that for the programming of the time signal receiver
the access provided for the reception of the time signal is used,
to effect a wireless or contactless transmission of programming
instructions. To carry out the method, a programming instruction,
written in a format decodable by the time signal receiver, is made
available to the time signal receiver. By means of a first
programming instruction, the time signal receiver can be made ready
to receive additional programming instructions. The receiving means
of the time signal receiver are in particular an analog receiver
arrangement, as described in the Unexamined German Patent
Application No. DE 103 34 990, which corresponds to U.S.
Publication No. 2005/0036514, and which is incorporated herein by
reference. The processing means can be made, for example, as a
state machine or as a microcontroller. The processing means are
assigned internally integrated or separately made memory means for
storing at least one program instruction.
[0034] An embodiment of the invention provides that to program the
time signal receiver, at least one complete time signal is
transmitted according to the time signal protocol, which in
addition comprises a number of programming instructions. In this
type of procedure, which can be used in particular for the time
signal of the German DCF77 transmitter, transmission of programming
instructions is possible without the transmission of the time
signal having to be eliminated. According to the protocol of the
DCF77 time signal, the first 15 bits are freely available within
the time frame, which in the case of DCF77 has a duration of 60
seconds, and can therefore be used for transmitting a first
programming instruction (first bit in the DCF77 protocol), serving
as a programming status signal, and for transmitting other
programming instructions (2nd to 15th bit in the DCF77 protocol).
Therefore, programming of the time signal receiver and
synchronization of the time signal receiver to the time signal
transmitted for programming can be performed simultaneously. After
a programming phase is completed, therefore, the full functionality
of the time signal receiver including the capability for correct
synchronization to the time signal can be checked immediately. The
disadvantage of a low data rate for programming instruction
transmission within the scope of the time signal (in the case of
the DCF77 protocol 14 usable bits per minute), which can take
several minutes, is easily lessened by the fact that a plurality of
time signal receivers can be programmed wirelessly simultaneously
by a single programming device.
[0035] Another embodiment of the invention provides that to program
the time signal receiver, in a first step a time signal is
transmitted, which comprises at least one programming instruction
for switching the time signal receiver to a programming protocol,
and that in other steps programming instructions are transmitted
according to a programming protocol stored in the time signal
receiver. This type of procedure may be used when the time signal
receiver is provided for a time signal protocol in which only a few
bits or even only one bit is freely available, as is the case in
most time signal protocols. For programming, a time signal is first
made available to the time signal receiver according to the
respective protocol, in which at least one free bit is set
according to a protocol stored in the time signal receiver so that
during the decoding in the time signal receiver it can be
recognized that a programming process is planned. The time signal
receiver switches to a programming state upon arrival of the
appropriate bit. In the programming state, the programming device
uses a from the time signal protocol different programming protocol
that is stored in the time signal receiver for decoding the
programming instructions.
[0036] Another embodiment of the invention provides that to program
the time signal receiver, programming instructions are transmitted
in a programming protocol different from the time signal and stored
in the time signal receiver. The time signal receiver can be set up
in such a way that it examines the incoming signals to determine
whether they are time signals or programming instructions. The time
signal receiver can also be set up in such a way that it is
switched to the programming state by means of a parameter linked to
the time signal, for example, by means of the field strength of the
time signal, or by a parameter independent of the time signal, for
example, by a programming status signal sent by the programming
device. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the
programming signal for switching to the programming state is
derived from the time signal field strength. The variable
amplification of the adjustable amplifier provided in the receiving
means can be used in particular in this case. An incoming signal
with a high field strength is detected based on a minimal
amplification and indicates to the time signal receiver that
programming with a programming device is to be carried out.
[0037] Another embodiment of the invention provides that the time
signal receiver upon receiving the programming instruction is
switched to the programming state for a predefinable time period.
This assures that the time signal receiver always enters the
receive state for the time signal also if the programming process
is not fully completed.
[0038] Another embodiment of the invention provides that the time
signal receiver is switched to the programming state when the
programming instructions are received until a reset instruction
arrives. As a result, a variable number of programming instructions
can be transmitted to the time signal receiver. Upon arrival of the
reset instruction, the time signal receiver switches back to the
receive state for the time signal and can be tested, for example,
immediately after the programming process for its reception
properties for the time signal. This is an advantage, when
different production batches of time signal receivers are to be
programmed with very different amounts of programming instructions.
When the number of programming instructions to be transmitted is
low, the function test with the time signal can be performed even
after a short time. When there are many programming instructions,
switching back to the receive state occurs only after they are all
transmitted.
[0039] Another embodiment of the invention provides that release or
blocking of functions, fixedly predefined in the time signal
receiver, is performed in the programming state. The functions are
provided in the layout, i.e., in the hardware of the time signal
receiver, and can be blocked or released by using internal
pointers, i.e., by software. In carrying out the programming
process, the particular pointers are set in accordance with the
specification by the programming device and thereby determine the
range of functions of the time signal receiver. A typical use for
such releasable and blockable functions are stopwatch or calendar
functions in a wristwatch with a radio-controlled clockwork. In the
radio-controlled clockwork these functions are all applied on the
hardware side and depending on the wristwatch model are released or
blocked on the software side by wireless programming.
[0040] In an embodiment of the invention, a final blocking of the
programming state is specified after a single programming run. This
type of blocking can be brought about particularly by setting of an
internal pointer in the receiving means or in the processing means
or by separating one or more electrical connections in the time
signal receiver, for example, by a signal with a high field
strength radiated in from outside. This prevents a subsequent
change of the program instructions transmitted during the
programming process, which is of particular interest in the setting
of different ranges of functions for the time signal receiver.
[0041] It is provided in another embodiment of the invention that
in the programming state a freely programmable instruction
sequence, designated for execution by the receiving means and/or
processing means, is stored in the memory means. With a freely
programmable instruction sequence, functions can be implemented in
the time signal receiver, which are not already stored in the
layout of the time signal receiver. These can be, for example,
country-specific parameters for decoding the time signal or extra
software, which is to run in the time signal receiver.
[0042] It is provided in another embodiment of the invention that
the programming instructions are supplied at a data rate that is
selected higher than the data rate of a time signal, whereby the
time signal receiver is supplied with a programming clock frequency
which is adjusted to the data rate and is selected higher than the
internal operating clock frequency of the time signal receiver. The
method of the invention for increasing the programming rate for a
time signal receiver comprises the following steps: provision of a
programming clock frequency that is greater than an internal
operating clock frequency of the time signal receiver to the time
signal receiver; provision of programming instructions to the time
signal receiver by means of a programming device at a data rate
adjusted to the programming clock frequency; decoding of the
programming instructions by the receiving means and/or by the
processing means of the time signal receiver, particularly in the
clock of the programming clock frequency; and storage of the
programming instruction, designated for execution in the receiving
means and/or in the processing means, in the memory means of the
time signal receiver, particularly in the clock of the programming
clock frequency. The desired acceleration of the programming
process is achieved in that the internal processing speed of the
time signal receiver, which is designed for the low data rate of
the time signal and for low power consumption, is overridden by
means of the programming clock frequency and thereby increased. For
the time signal receiver, adjustment to a higher data rate is
therefore achieved by which appropriate programming instructions
can be supplied at a higher speed by the programming device, with
the aid of the programming clock frequency, which is selected
higher than the internal operating clock frequency. It is possible
to achieve halving of the programming time even at a programming
clock frequency that is selected twice as high as the operating
clock frequency. This is of particular interest when many time
signal receivers are to be programmed during mass production. A
short programming time is also desired, when programming of a time
signal receiver that is provided in an end user device, such as a
wristwatch, a household appliance, or another device, is to occur
with end-customer-specific data, for example, at the cash register
in a retail store. The programming clock frequency is preferably
selected so that an advantageous compromise between a short
programming time and a reliable run of the programming process is
assured. Due to its structure or its layout, the time signal
receiver does not permit any desired increase in the operating
clock frequency. Preferably, at least a doubling, especially
preferably a quadrupling, particularly a tenfold increase, of the
operating clock frequency is provided.
[0043] It is provided in an embodiment of the invention that the
programming clock frequency is derived from a clock frequency
supplied internally in the time signal receiver, particularly by an
internal clock generator. The operating clock frequency of a time
signal receiver is typically derived from a considerably higher
basic clock frequency. In a prior-art time signal receiver, an
internal clock generator, made as a quartz oscillator, supplies a
frequency of about 32 kHz, which is divided down with use of
frequency dividers to an internal operating clock frequency of 1024
Hz. The receiving means and/or the processing means and/or the
memory means are operated at the operating clock frequency. A
higher internal clock frequency can be supplied in a simple way by
using a lower divider ratio to the basic clock frequency and is
then used as the programming clock frequency for transmitting
programming instructions at a higher data rate. Problems such as
supplying and transmitting an external programming clock frequency
to the time signal receiver are eliminated by using an internal
clock frequency.
[0044] Another embodiment of the invention provides that a
programming signal, supplied by the programming device, causes a
switching of a frequency switching device assigned to the time
signal receiver from the operating clock frequency to the
programming clock frequency. The frequency switching device can be
provided for different control of an arrangement of frequency
dividers, which are cascaded, i.e., connected in series, depending
on a programming signal. In this case, in the absence of a
programming signal, the frequency divider is controlled in such a
way that the basic clock frequency is divided down to the operating
clock frequency. Provided that the programming clock signal is
present, one or more frequency dividers are controlled by the
frequency switching device in such a way that they cannot undertake
further division of the basic clock frequency, so that a higher
clock frequency can be output. Alternatively, the clock frequency
is decoupled from the frequency switching device before all
frequency dividers of a frequency divider arrangement are run
through, in order to obtain a clock signal with a higher clock
frequency. In another embodiment of the invention, the frequency
switching device is provided for switching between two or more
internal clock generators, whose basic clock frequencies, different
from one another, are conducted alternatively via the one frequency
divider device in order to supply the operating clock frequency or
the programming clock frequency.
[0045] Another embodiment of the invention provides that switching
is brought about from a first frequency divider, which has a higher
divider ratio, to a second frequency divider, which has a lower
divider ratio, with the programming signal in the frequency
switching device. A simple construction of the time signal receiver
can be realized thereby, because it is not the frequency dividers
that are made switchable, but rather a suitable introduction of the
supplied basic clock signal occurs from the frequency switching
device to the first or second frequency divider.
[0046] Another embodiment of the invention provides that the
programming clock frequency is supplied by the programming device.
In this way, the provision of different internal clock generators,
frequency dividers, or frequency switching devices can be
eliminated in the time signal receiver, so that an especially
economical construction of the time signal receiver is assured.
Rather, the programming clock signal is fed from outside into the
time signal receiver in such a way that an overriding of the
operating clock signal occurs and the programming can occur at a
higher data rate.
[0047] Another embodiment of the invention provides that the
programming clock frequency is transmitted wirelessly by the
programming device to the time signal receiver. In this way, a
plurality of time signal receivers can be supplied simultaneously
with the programming clock signal for rapid execution of the
programming. This applies particularly when the programming
instructions are also transmitted wirelessly by the programming
device to the time signal receiver.
[0048] Another embodiment of the invention provides that the
programming clock frequency is transmitted in a wired manner by the
programming device to the time signal receiver. Individual
adjustment of the programming clock frequency and the data rate of
the programming instructions to the boundary conditions of the time
signal receiver is made possible particularly in combination with
wired transmission of the programming instructions to the time
signal receiver. Feedback of information, e.g., a status signal,
from the time signal receiver to the programming device can be
realized by means of wired information transmission (programming
clock frequency and/or programming instructions) between a
programming device and time signal receiver without additional
devices at the time signal receiver. This type of feedback enables,
for example, the supplying of information on whether the
programming instructions fed in at a predefined data rate to the
time signal receiver were completely and correctly decoded and
processed. Thus, dynamic adjustment of the programming clock
frequency can be made without additional devices at the time signal
receiver, so that an average duration of the programming processes
can be optimally adjusted for a larger number of similar time
signal receivers to be programmed, whereby an additional saving of
time can be realized.
[0049] Another embodiment of the invention provides that during
and/or after the programming process, a programming control signal
can be output by the time signal receiver to the programming
device. The following steps are therefore provided: provision of at
least one programming instruction to a time signal receiver by
means of a programming device; decoding of the programming
instruction by the receiving means and/or by the processing means
of the time signal receiver, storage of the programming
instruction, designated for execution in the receiving means and/or
in the processing means, in the memory means of the time signal
receiver; outputting of a programming control signal during and/or
after the programming process by means of the time signal receiver;
and receiving and processing of the programming control signal in
the programming device. By means of this type of method, feedback
of the time signal receiver can be transmitted to the programming
device, which provides information whether the programming process
triggered by the programming device in the time signal receiver is
being or was carried out successfully. This is of particular
interest when data that are to control security-relevant functions
of the time signal receiver are transmitted with the programming
instructions to the time signal receiver. For this case, it can
also be provided that the time signal receiver transmits the data
in a processed, particularly encrypted, form back again to the
programming device, so that precise control of the transmitted data
is possible. The programming control signal can be output after
each programming instruction, preferably after a sequence of
programming instructions of predefinable length, especially
preferably after the end of the programming process.
[0050] It is provided in another embodiment of the invention that
the programming instructions are supplied at a data rate that is
selected higher than the data rate of the time signal, whereby the
time signal receiver is supplied with a programming clock frequency
which is adjusted to the data rate and is selected higher than the
internal operating clock frequency of the time signal receiver. As
a result, acceleration of the programming process is made possible
in that the internal processing speed of the time signal receiver,
which is designed for the low data rate of the time signal and for
low power consumption, is overridden by means of the programming
clock frequency and thereby increased. For the time signal
receiver, adjustment to a higher data rate is therefore achieved by
which appropriate programming instructions can be supplied at a
higher speed by the programming device, with the aid of the
programming clock frequency, which is selected higher than the
internal operating clock frequency. It is possible to achieve
halving of the programming time even at a programming clock
frequency, which is selected as twice as high as the operating
clock frequency. This is of particular interest when many time
signal receivers are to be programmed during mass production. A
short programming time is also desired, when programming of a time
signal receiver, which is provided in an end user device, such as a
wristwatch, a household appliance, or another device, is to occur
with end-customer-specific data, for example, at the cash register
in a retail store. The programming clock frequency is preferably
selected so that an advantageous compromise between a short
programming time and a reliable run of the programming process is
assured. Due to its structure or its layout, the time signal
receiver does not permit any desired increase in the operating
clock frequency. Preferably, at least a doubling, especially
preferably a quadrupling, particularly a tenfold increase, of the
operating clock frequency is provided.
[0051] The programming control signal provides the possibility of
monitoring the programming process and, in the event of faulty
programming, to carry out a reduction in the programming clock
frequency and the programming data rate to assure a reliable
programming result.
[0052] It is provided in another embodiment of the invention that
in sequential programming processes a subsequent programming
process is carried out with a programming clock frequency that is
selected higher than a programming clock frequency of a preceding
programming process, provided the previous programming process was
carried out properly. Determination of an optimal programming speed
for the time signal receiver can be performed therewith over many
successive programming processes. This is of interest in the mass
production of time signal receivers, because different batches of
time signal receivers can differ due to variation in the production
processes also with respect to their maximum programming speed or
maximum data rate and therewith dynamic adjustment of the
programming clock frequency to the properties of the time signal
receiver is possible. If a time signal receiver to be programmed
next cannot be successfully programmed with the preceding
programming clock frequency, the programming clock frequency and
the data rate are reduced for the programming instructions.
[0053] Another embodiment of the invention provides that the
programming clock frequency is supplied by the programming device.
This makes it possible to supply several programming clock
frequencies with a minor frequency difference, so that an
advantageous adjustment to the properties of the time signal
receiver can be realized without corresponding devices having to be
provided for this in the time signal receiver.
[0054] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter.
However, it should be understood that the detailed description and
specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the
invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various
changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from
this detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0055] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying
drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are
not limitive of the present invention, and wherein:
[0056] FIG. 1 shows a schematic graphic depiction of a time signal,
which is encoded according to the protocol of the time signal
transmitter DCF77;
[0057] FIG. 2 shows part of an idealized time signal with 5 second
pulses;
[0058] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a time signal receiver in
greatly simplified form;
[0059] FIG. 4 shows a detailed block diagram of part of the time
signal receiver according to FIG. 3;
[0060] FIG. 5 shows a schematic drawing of a programming device for
a plurality of time signal receivers according to an embodiment of
the invention;
[0061] FIG. 6 shows a schematic drawing of a wired programming
device, which is set up for supplying an external programming clock
signal;
[0062] FIG. 7 shows a schematic drawing of a programming device for
wireless transmission of programming instructions and a time signal
receiver adjusted thereto;
[0063] FIG. 8 shows a schematic drawing of a programming device,
which is set up for wireless supplying of an external programming
clock signal and for receiving a programming control signal;
and
[0064] FIG. 9 shows a schematic drawing of a control device for
wireless transmission of a programming control signal.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0065] The same or functionally equivalent elements, signals, and
functions, if not indicated otherwise, are designated with the same
reference characters in all figures of the drawing.
[0066] The basic structure and operating mode of a time signal
receiver are known from German Patent DE 35 16 810, which is
incorporated by reference herein. FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a
greatly simplified time signal receiver, which is formed in the
present case as radio-controlled clock 100. Radio-controlled clock
100 has an antenna 2 for picking up time signal 3 transmitted by a
time signal transmitter 101. An integrated circuit 20 with a logic
and control unit 30 is connected to antenna 2. Antenna 2 and
integrated circuit 20 together form receiver 1. A
program-controlled unit, made as microcontroller of 102 in the form
of processing means, is connected downstream of the outputs of
receiver 1. Microcontroller 102 takes up the databits generated by
the receiver, calculates a precise time and date from these, and
generates therefrom a signal 105 for the time and date. In
addition, radio-controlled clock 100 has an electronic clock 103
whose time is controlled by a clock crystal 104. Electronic clock
103 is connected to an indicator 106, for example, a display, by
which the time is displayed.
[0067] FIG. 4 shows the time signal receiver part, made as
integrated circuit 20, using a detailed block diagram. Integrated
circuit 20 has two inputs 21, 22 for connection to one or two
antennas, which are not shown. By providing two or more antennas,
it is possible to tune receiver 1 to different time signal
transmitters, which operate in different wavelengths ranges, by
switching between the antennas. A frequency switch or antenna
switch can be made with the switching. A control amplifier 4 can be
connected to one of the antenna inputs 21, 22 by controllable
switches 23, 24. The other input of control amplifier 4 is
connected to inputs 21', 22'. A reference signal IN1, IN2, for
example, can be coupled into these inputs. Control amplifier 4 is
connected on the output side to an input of a postamplifier 7. A
filter 6, which is formed as a capacitor and with which parasitic
capacitances between inputs QL-QH can be compensated, is disposed
in-between.
[0068] Integrated circuit 20 further has a switching unit 25.
Switching unit 25 has, for example, a plurality of switchable
filters at inputs QL-QH, by means of which switching unit 25 is
designed to provide several frequencies on the output side. These
frequencies can be set via control inputs 26, 36, 37 of switching
unit 25. Control amplifier 4 can be influenced, particularly
controlled, by control signal 27 supplied by switching unit 25.
Switching unit 25 further generates an output signal 28, which is
coupled into a second input of postamplifier 7. Postamplifier 7
controls rectifier 8 connected downstream. Rectifier 8 generates a
control signal 31 (AGC signal=Automatic Gain Control), which
controls control amplifier 4. Rectifier 8 on the output side
further generates an output signal 29, for example, a rectangular
output signal 29 (TCO signal), which is supplied to a logic and
control unit 30 connected downstream.
[0069] Logic and control unit 30 is connected to an input/output
device 32 (I/O unit), which is connected to input/output terminals
33 of integrated circuit 20. At these terminals 33, the time
signals processed, decoded, and stored, among others, in logic and
control unit 30 can be tapped. A microcontroller, connected
downstream of integrated circuit 20 and not shown in FIG. 4, or a
state machine with a simpler structure, if required, can read out
these time signals just stored and decoded in logic and control
unit 30. A clock signal can be supplied via terminals 33 to
integrated circuit 20 or logic and control unit 30.
[0070] For further control of switching unit 25, said unit is
connected to logic and control unit 30 and controls logic and
control unit 30 with a control signal 38. The integrated circuit
further has terminals 36, 37, via which logic and control unit 30
can be supplied with control signals SS1, SS2.
[0071] The indicator 106 shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 to 8 can also be an
audible warning device such as a loudspeaker or a piezo buzzer or a
combination of an optical and audible indicating device.
[0072] FIG. 5 shows a programming device 200, which is provided for
simultaneous programming of a plurality of time signal receivers
210 made as radio-controlled wristwatches. Programming device 200
has several control buttons 220, 230, which are provided for
setting the programming process or for setting the functions to be
released in the time signal receivers. Programming device 200 has
an antenna 240 for sending out a long-wave time signal or
programming signal, so that a wireless programming or transmission
of a time signal to time signal receiver 210 can be carried
out.
[0073] FIG. 6 shows a programming device 202, which is provided for
wired programming of a time signal receiver 120 made as a
radio-controlled wrist watch. Programming device 202 has several
control buttons 220, 230, which are provided for setting the
programming process or for setting the functions to be released in
the time signal receiver. Programming device 202 is equipped with a
signal cable, which is equipped at the end side with a contact plug
250. The contact plug is formed for electrical coupling to a
correspondingly made contact device 70 at time signal receiver 120
and enables the transmission of programming instructions and a
programming clock signal from programming device 202 to time signal
receiver 120.
[0074] Time signal receiver 120 has the same subassemblies as time
signal receiver 100 shown in FIG. 3, but is equipped furthermore
with an additional internal clock generator 72 and with contact
device 70.
[0075] The programming clock signal is supplied by an oscillator
252 disposed in programming device 202 and then is fed into
integrated circuit 20 in such a way that it can bring about the
desired increase in the receivable data rate there and in
microcontroller 102 connected downstream. Internal clock generator
72, provided for supplying the operating clock signal and made as a
quartz oscillator, is connected to receiver 1 and in addition also
to microcontroller 102 and supplies a basic clock frequency, which
is divided down by a frequency divider (not shown) to the operating
clock frequency. Internal clock generator 72 can be temporarily
decoupled from receiver 1 by a switching device, shown symbolically
as switch 74, during the programming process to avoid collision of
the operating clock frequency with the programming clock frequency
supplied by programming device 202.
[0076] The programming clock signal supplied by external oscillator
252, provided in programming device 202, can be variably adjustable
with the use of a frequency divider (not shown) or output as a
fixedly predefined programming clock frequency to time signal
receiver 120.
[0077] Programming device 204 shown in FIG. 7 is provided for
wireless transmission of programming instructions and has an
antenna 240, which makes possible the sending out of
electromagnetic signals to time signal receiver 140 without a
mechanical connection between programming device 204 and time
signal receiver 140. Time signal receiver 140 is fitted out with an
internal clock generator 72 formed as a quartz oscillator, which is
provided for supplying a basic clock signal. Internal clock
generator 72 is assigned two schematically shown frequency dividers
76 and 78, which have different divider ratios and thus can derive
an operating clock frequency or a programming clock frequency from
the basic clock frequency of integrated clock generator 72 and
relay it to receiver 1.
[0078] Microcontroller 102 is connected via a control line 84 to
integrated clock generator 72 and therewith enables activation or
deactivation of internal clock generator 72. Deactivation of
internal clock generator 72 can be provided when programming device
204 wirelessly transmits, apart from programming instructions, also
an external clock signal, which can be coupled via antenna 2 into
receiver 1 and into microcontroller 102.
[0079] If no corresponding programming clock signal is supplied by
programming device 204, internal clock generator 72 remains
activated during the programming process. Upon arrival of an
appropriate programming instruction, first frequency divider 76,
configured to supply the operating clock signal, is deactivated by
microcontroller 102 and second frequency divider 78, provided for
supplying the programming clock signal, is activated. The higher
programming clock frequency is provided thereby at receiver 1 and
therefore also at microcontroller 102 and receiving of the
programming instructions of programming device 204 can occur at a
data rate that is higher than the data rate of the time signal.
[0080] Programming device 206 shown in FIG. 8 is provided for
wireless transmission of programming instructions and has an
antenna 240, which makes possible the sending out of
electromagnetic signals to time signal receiver 160 without a
mechanical connection between programming device 206 and time
signal receiver 160. Programming device 206 is equipped with a
control device (not shown) and memory means and with receiving
means for the programming control signal.
[0081] Time signal receiver 160 is fitted out with an internal
clock generator 72 formed as a quartz oscillator, which is provided
for supplying a basic clock signal. Internal clock generator 72 is
assigned two schematically shown frequency dividers 76 and 78,
which have different divider ratios and thus can derive an
operating clock frequency or a programming clock frequency from the
basic clock frequency of integrated clock generator 72 and relay it
to receiver 1.
[0082] Microcontroller 102 is connected via a control line 84 to
integrated clock generator 72 and therewith enables activation or
deactivation of internal clock generator 72. Deactivation of
internal clock generator 72 can be provided when programming device
206 wirelessly transmits, apart from programming instructions, also
an external clock signal, which can be coupled via antenna 2 into
receiver 1 and into microcontroller 102.
[0083] If no corresponding programming clock signal is supplied by
programming device 206, internal clock generator 72 remains
activated during the programming process. Upon arrival of an
appropriate programming instruction, first frequency divider 76,
configured to supply the operating clock signal, is deactivated by
microcontroller 102 and second frequency divider 78, provided for
supplying the programming clock signal, is activated. The higher
programming clock frequency is provided thereby at receiver 1 and
therefore also at microcontroller 102 and receiving of the
programming instructions of programming device 206 can occur at a
data rate that is higher than the data rate of the time signal.
[0084] Microcontroller 102 is assigned control means 90, which are
provided for controlling antenna 2 and which enable wireless
transmission of a programming control signal, which can be supplied
by microcontroller 102, to programming device 206. The transmission
of the programming control signal as an electromagnetic wave is
indicated by arrow 205. Programming device 206 is set up for
receiving and processing of the programming control signal and
therewith can bring about an increase or reduction in the data
rate, with which the programming instructions are transmitted to
time signal receiver 160, during and/or after a programming
process. Preferably, the programming clock frequency is supplied by
programming device 206, because this device can hold ready a higher
variety of different programming clock frequencies for adjustment
to the maximum data rate of the time signal receiver.
[0085] FIG. 9 shows an enlarged section of a region of receiver 2
according to FIG. 8, whereby control means 90, shown as a separate
block in FIG. 8, can be represented at least substantially by the
three MOS transistors 310, 312, and 314 and by the associated
control lines. Integrated circuit 20 and control unit 30 of
receiver 1 are not shown in FIG. 6 for reasons of simplicity.
Connection points 316 and 318 for electric coupling to the
integrated circuit and the control unit are shown, however.
[0086] Antenna 2 has a coil 300 and a capacitor 302, which are
connected parallel to one another. In each case, connection points
316 and 318, which are provided for relaying a signal coupled
inductively from outside by electromagnetic waves to the integrated
circuit and to the control device, are coupled electrically at
common nodal points 324, 326 of coil 300 and capacitor 302. Current
terminals (source terminal S and drain terminal D) of PMOS
transistor 312 are connected at nodal points 324 and 326; in a
conducting state, said transistor is capable of short-circuiting
nodal points 324 and 326 and therewith avoiding a postoscillation
of the resonant circuit formed by coil 300 and capacitor 302.
[0087] A current terminal (drain terminal D) of NMOS transistor
314, whose other current terminal (source terminal S) is connected
to a ground terminal 322, is connected moreover at nodal point 324.
A current terminal (source terminal S) of NMOS transistor 310,
whose other current terminal (drain terminal D) is connected to a
voltage source, is connected at nodal point 326. The control
terminals (gate terminals G) of all transistors 310, 312, 314 are
joined at a common nodal point 328, at which a signal supplied by
microcontroller 102 for controlling the transistors can be coupled.
When the signal supplied by microcontroller 102 is at a logic low
level, both NMOS transistors 310 and 314 are blocked, because no
positive control voltage is applied between the associated control
terminals G and current terminals S.
[0088] PMOS transistor 312 is released due to the low level of the
control signal, i.e., in an electrically conductive manner, and can
therewith reduce a voltage difference between nodal points 324 and
326, so that a postoscillation of the resonant circuit comprising
coil 300 and capacitor 302 is prevented. During application of a
logic high level at NMOS transistors 310 and 314, therefore a
control voltage that is greater than a threshold voltage of NMOS
transistors 310, 314, a positive control voltage is present between
control terminals G of NMOS transistors 310, 314 and the
specifically assigned current terminals S, so that the two NMOS
transistors 310, 314 are connected in a conductive manner. Thereby,
typically only for short time, the electric voltage, applied
between the voltage source and ground terminal 322, is applied at
coil 300 and at capacitor 302 and causes coil 300 to emit an
electromagnetic pulse. This electromagnetic pulse can be received
by programming device 206, shown in FIG. 5, as a programming
control signal.
[0089] Depending on the type of the predefinable protocol for the
programming control signal, a pulse sequence can be transmitted
wirelessly to programming device 206 by application of a sequence
of logic low and high signals at the control device. The pulse
sequence can be evaluated in programming device 206 and assessed as
confirmation of a successfully completed programming process. Next,
depending on incoming programming control signals, an increase or
reduction of a programming clock frequency and a data rate for
programming instructions can be realized.
[0090] In the present invention, a combination of the
aforementioned aspects can be provided for the devices or for the
method. In an embodiment, which is not shown, a wirelessly
programmable time signal receiver is provided, which can be
programmed with an internally or externally supplied programming
clock frequency and during and/or after the programming process
with a programming control signal that can be transmitted
wirelessly to the programming device.
[0091] In another embodiment, which is not shown, a notification
device with a programmable time signal receiver is provided, which
is integrated into a household appliance made as a smoke alarm and
which can be programmed alternatively both wired via a
corresponding contact device and also wirelessly with the use of
the time signal or a programming signal, whereby the programming
occurs using a programming clock frequency which is increased
compared with the operating clock frequency of the time signal
receiver, and at the end of the programming process a programming
control signal is transmitted to the programming device, which
confirms the complete transmission of all user data predefined by
the programming device to the memory means of the notification
device.
[0092] In a preferred method, wireless transmission of the
programming instructions is provided. During the programming
process, the time signal receiver is supplied with an individually
adjusted programming clock frequency, which depends on the correct
arrival of the programming controls signals, and with a data rate,
adjusted thereto, for the programming instructions, and
user-specific data are transmitted during the programming.
Therefore, a notification device is initialized by this method in
such a way that it is in a position to output regional warning
notifications only when the region that is programmed in is to be
covered by the corresponding warning signal.
[0093] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that
the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be
regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention,
and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in
the art are to be included within the scope of the following
claims.
* * * * *